Assessment of Palatal Masticatory Mucosa Thickness in the Saudi Population of a Teaching Hospital in the Eastern Province: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional CBCT Study

TL;DR

This study measured palatal mucosa thickness in Saudi adults using CBCT scans to guide soft tissue grafting in dental procedures.

Contribution

Provides region-specific palatal mucosa thickness data for the Saudi population using CBCT imaging.

Findings

The second premolar region had the greatest mucosa thickness (3.48 ± 0.80 mm at 9 mm from cementoenamel junction).

Mucosal thickness increased coronally to apically across all sites (p < 0.001).

Age over 35 correlated with thicker mucosa, but no gender differences were significant.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Periodontal and implant therapies frequently require soft tissue augmentation for optimal outcomes. As the hard palate serves as the primary donor site, this study evaluated palatal masticatory mucosa thickness variations in a Saudi population of the Eastern Province using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at a teaching dental hospital, providing site-specific data for clinical applications. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 215 CBCT scans from systemically healthy, non-smoking adults (>18 years) was conducted at the University Dental Hospital. Measurements were taken at 12 standardized sites (3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm from the cementoenamel junction) across maxillary canines, premolars, and first molars. Statistical analysis included Friedman’s test and t-tests. Results: Significant site variations were observed, with the second premolar region showing greatest thickness (3.48 ± 0.80 mm at 9 mm) and the first molar region the lowest (1.88 ± 0.63 mm at 3 mm) (p < 0.001). Mucosal thickness generally increased coronally to apically (p < 0.001). Age >35 years correlated with significantly thicker mucosa (p < 0.05), while no statistically significant gender-based differences were observed for all sites (p > 0.05). Conclusions: CBCT provides reliable, non-invasive assessment of palatal mucosa thickness. These findings offer region-specific data for consideration in periodontal and implant procedures involving soft tissue grafting.

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